Healing Through Hope: Mary’s Survivor Journey
Domestic violence is one of the most significant barriers to women’s empowerment. Globally, nearly 1 in 3 women experience physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives. This kind of trauma often derails educational goals, leaving women struggling to reclaim their dreams. Only a fraction of survivors manage to break free from these cycles, and even fewer go on to pursue higher education.
Mary is one of the brave women who has overcome these staggering odds.
For over a decade, Mary and her four children lived under the shadow of domestic abuse. “We were isolated from friends and family, moving constantly because my abuser didn’t want people judging him,” Mary recalls. She was forced to put her dreams of becoming a nurse on hold, withdrawing from her nursing program three times due to her husband's controlling behavior. “He sabotaged every attempt I made to finish my degree because he didn’t want me to become independent.”
After years of enduring fear and emotional pain, Mary found the strength to leave her abuser for good. “It was scary because he was the only one working. Overnight, I had to figure out how to take care of my children,” she shares. But Mary didn’t give up. She reapplied to the nursing program her abuser had forced her to abandon, and when she was readmitted, a sense of hope returned for the first time in years. “I cried tears of joy when I got the email. I knew the journey would be hard, but I was determined to finish, for myself and my children.”
The road to graduation wasn’t easy. Mary had to navigate not only her studies but also the financial challenges of being a single mother of four. She and her children faced periods without food, electricity, or basic necessities. “There were nights when my children went to bed hungry,” she says. Despite these obstacles, Mary persevered, drawing strength from her children. “Anytime I lose hope, I look at them. I can’t and won’t let them down ever again.”
That’s where the Live Your Dream Awards made all the difference. Thanks to this life-changing program, Mary could save for her bachelor’s in nursing, buy her cap and gown, and provide her children with the clothes and supplies they desperately needed.
“This award has done more than just help me financially—it has given me the confidence to believe in myself again. I am enough. I am worthy of the success I seek”
This past summer, Mary proudly graduated with her associate degree in nursing and began her RN residency. In August, she started her bachelor's degree, which she plans to complete online while working at the hospital. After that, Mary will pursue a Master of Science in Nursing and fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a Nurse Practitioner.
The financial support from members and donors like you has given her and her children a second chance at life. “I don’t think I have the words to express my gratitude,” Mary says. “You’ve helped me finish what I started so many years ago, and now I can walk across that stage knowing the darkest chapter in our lives is behind us.”
Every Soroptimist member has their own version of Mary—a woman whose life was transformed by the time, energy, and support you provide through your clubs and communities. Whether through mentoring, fundraising, or delivering the Dream Programs, your commitment is what helps women like Mary escape the cycle of violence and reclaim their futures. Stories like hers are why you should be proud of the difference you’re making, and they continue to inspire and give us hope.
Together, we can keep this vital work going, helping domestic violence survivors like Mary chase their dreams and thrive.
Thank you for all that you do, and if you feel inspired to give again, know that every gift brings another woman like Mary closer to her bright future. Your support ensures Soroptimist's mission can grow, reaching more women and girls facing obstacles like domestic violence, and helping them break the cycle to achieve their dreams.
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